?Despite the mouthful, Backchat was delighted to hear that Oval had become the 2007 Cricket World Spirit Of Commerce 20/20 champions.

Though its case was helped somewhat by the involvement of the broker’s chief executive – and former Yorkshire county cricketer – Phillip Hodson, he was mysteriously absent from the final.

Rumours that, while they were distracted, Hodson attempted to buy opponents nPower proved unfounded.

However, in the spirit of its achievements (that is, Oval’s 20 acquisitions) Backchat thinks the trophy should be renamed the 2007 Cricket World Spirit Of Commerce 20/20/20 championship.

Curiously, Mr Hodson boasts a first-class batting average of (ho hum) 20.81.